|
Q: Why should I be concerned about household cleaners?
There are many chemicals in common household cleaners that are hazardous for your health. Among them are:
* Chlorinated phenols found in toilet bowl cleaners are toxic to respiratory and circulatory systems.
* Butyl cellosolve, common in all-purpose, window and other types of cleaners, damages bone marrow, the nervous system, kidneys and the liver.
* Diethylene glycol found in window cleaners depresses the nervous system.
* Phenols found in disinfectants are toxic to respiratory and circulatory systems.
* Nonylphenol ethoxylate, a common surfactant (detergent) found in laundry detergents and all-purpose cleaners, is banned in Europe; it has been shown to biodegrade slowly into even more toxic compounds.
* Formaldehyde found in spray and wick deodorizers is a respiratory irritant and suspected carcinogen.
* Petroleum solvents in floor cleaners damage mucous membranes.
* Perchloroethylene, a spot remover, causes liver and kidney damage.
The list could fill a book. And it’s a book that would include thousands of other chemicals — some so dangerous that they’re found on lists of chemicals associated with Superfund toxic waste sites and in the toxins section of the U.S. Clean Air and Water Acts.
Q: Are your rates higher than traditional cleaning services?
Nope. We're very competitive. Although some of the products we use are more expensive, others are very inexpensive (vinegar and water, for example). We're committed to keeping our rates competitive while compensating our employees fairly.
|
